Honey is rich in antioxidants. The phytonutrients (chemicals that help prevent various diseases) promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestines, support digestion, and help with sleep. But only in raw organic honey and even better, if the honey is local beekeeper. Infused honey add different herbs for flavor.
The effect on the body are recorded in the first Egyptian dynasty, 3100 BCE.
Supplies:
-modified "Green Living"
The effect on the body are recorded in the first Egyptian dynasty, 3100 BCE.
Supplies:
- raw organic honey, at least 1 quart (1 liter)
- clean, glass jars, pints (0,5 l) are perfect for a small family
- chopstick and silicone spatula
- freshly cut organic herbs are preferred but dry herbs can be used
Directions:
1. Allow herbs leaves to dry, 8-24 hours.
2. Remove the stems and roughly chop the herbs, both leaves and flowers.
3. Loosely fill a jar almost full with fresh herbs OR fill half full with dry herbs.
4. Fill the jar with honey to cover the herbs.
5. To speed up the step, only warm the honey in a double boiler, not cook or boil it.
6. Stir with chopstick to remove air bubbles.
7. Cover with tight-fitting lidded label the jar.
8. Place in a sunny windowsill for a week.
9. Turn the jars upside down each day to move the herbs through the honey, which will motet he top.
10. After a week, put the honey jars on the counter and allow it to steep for a few more weeks.
11. Some herbs will color the honey; some will thin the honey.
12. Adjust the taste and experiment.
13. Infused honey can be used to sweeten and flavor:
- cereals
- teas
- salad dressings
- baked goods
- sauces
- marinades
- fruits
- vegetables
- toast
- lemonade
- oatmeal
Herbs:
Lavender: Drizzle on ice cream, pound cake, scones, and biscotti. It can produce a calming effect.
Harvest the flowers when the buds are just starting to open for the highest quality.
(For a relaxing, calming tea: 4 tsp. (20 g) fresh bud into 1 cup/240 ml boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain.)
Harvest the flowers when the buds are just starting to open for the highest quality.
(For a relaxing, calming tea: 4 tsp. (20 g) fresh bud into 1 cup/240 ml boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain.)
Lemon Balm: Use in savory and sweet dishes and tea. It is soothing to the digestive and nervous system and aids in healing cold sores.
Sage: Its anti-bacterial, anti0-viral, and anti-fungal properties have a long history use for inflamed throats and helps with drying mucous.
Ginger: Use peeled or chopped fresh organic ginger, not ground ginger. Make in small batches and store in the refrigerator. It is great for upset stomachs and nausea, plus produces a warming sensation in the body.
1 cup (240 ml) honey
1 Tbs. (15 ml) finely chopped ginger root
pinch of ground ginger
1. Pour the honey into a saucepan with the chopped ginger.
2. Add the ground ginger if you want a stronger flavor.
3. Heat on low for 10 minutes.
4. Sit for 2 hours in a glass jar with tight lid.
5. Strain.
(As a tea for upset stomachs and eases nausea: 3-5 thin slices of ginger root in boiling water for 3 minutes. Strain.)
(As a tea for upset stomachs and eases nausea: 3-5 thin slices of ginger root in boiling water for 3 minutes. Strain.)
Bee Balm: It is good during cold and flu season, has a spicy, slightly sweet taste. The flower and leaves are anti-microbial and good for sore and inflamed throats and warming sensation to the body helps as well.
Other spices and herbs:
- mint
- anise star
- vanilla
- rosemary
- thyme
- chamomile
- basil
- organic rose petals
Lemon-honey
1 cup (240 ml) honey
1 Tbs. (15 ml) grated organic lemon zest
2 fresh slices of organic lemon juice
1. Heat about 10 minutes on low.
2. Sit for 1-2 hours. Longer it sits, the stronger it will taste.
3. Strain.
Cinnamon-honey
1 cup (240 ml) honey
4-6 sticks of cinnamon depending on taste
pinch of ground cinnamon
1. Pour the honey into a saucepan.
2. Drop in and submerge the cinnamon sticks.
3. Heat on low for 10 minutes.
4. Let it stand 2 hours.
5. Strain if you like and store in a glass jar.
Clove-honey
1 cup (240 ml) honey
5-10 whole cloves
1. Pour the honey in a saucepan with the whole cloves.
2. Heat on low for 10 minutes
3. Sit for 2 hours.
3. Strain.
Apple cider vinegar honey
1 cup (240 ml) honey
2-3 Tbs. (30-45 ml) apple cider vinegar
1. Heat on low for 10 minutes. Still well after 5 minutes.
2. Sit about an hour.
3. Add to tea or a glass of lemon water.
4. It can help upset stomach and sore throats.
